CHAPTER 149

Whoosh!

The energy swirling around the divine sword Beiming completely dissipated.

Waves of wind spread like ripples, lifting and scattering Jung Yeonshin's sleeve.

It no longer felt like a place where music played and sword dances unfolded.

A gentle breeze swept over the boy, mingling with the shimmering heat waves of a summer day. It was bright and serene.

The audience seated beneath the massive silk tents surrounding the dueling stage remained silent—a stillness filled with all kinds of emotions.

Awe and excitement, curiosity and a hint of regret. They gazed at the boy who would wear the black robe of Desolate Fortress at the youngest age in history.

The largest event in recent Desolate Fortress' history.

The ceremony for the promotion of the black ank had not yet concluded.

Had the duel been settled with Law Enforcer's advice, the crowd would have begun to disperse.

The challenger's defeat would have marked an early end to the ceremony, but since Lightning Genius defeated Law Enforcer, that was no longer the case.

By custom, the ceremony would continue in grandeur.

Unlike the seasoned masters of Desolate Fortress who expressed various emotions as warriors, the young servants and nameless disciples were simply thrilled.

It was an opportunity to enjoy rare delicacies and a festive atmosphere.

They only refrained from shouting in excitement because of the solemn air.

Other children were present as well—around a dozen young warriors dressed in plain clothes.

Their faces were more flushed than anyone else's. A girl with a sword and several boys wearing martial gloves even seemed electrified.

"Honestly, I couldn't see a thing. Yeonshin senior's fast sword was always quick, but…"

"He was holding back with us. It's always just practice sparring."

"Right, nothing surprising. If Lightning Genius had been serious, we wouldn't have even seen his first strike."

"So now Yeonshin senior gets to sit in the Leader's chamber? We can visit often, right? I saw lots of sweets in the cabinet there. Are they all ours now?"

"Didn't the captain set those aside? He gave me one every time I visited."

The nameless disciples of the Radiant Demon Squad whispered among themselves.

They sat huddled under the silk canopy, staring at Jung Yeonshin.

Their eyes, glistening in the sunlight, struggled to hide their excitement.

As long as they didn't slander the match, free expression was allowed.

Desolate Fortress was a sect that valued freedom within the bounds of its laws. Only those who violated its codes faced the blades and spears of the Law and Order Squad.

Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin had led Returning Wings Squad and Radiant Demon Squad during the expedition and their return.

He had earned recognition from the established masters. Next, the stories of the nameless disciples who would form the next generation of warriors also held importance.

Their chatter reflected Lightning Genius' popularity. No one stopped them.

"The mood has shifted. It seems the Radiant Demon Squad has already acknowledged him."

"He could take a seat at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall right away."

"The real issue is how today will conclude."

By now, most of the warriors' eyes were fixed on the Law Enforcer.

Even with a clear outcome, acknowledgment from the opponent was another matter entirely.

She had already presented formal advice to the Fortress' Lord.

But the result didn't align with her counsel. The shattered fragments of her sword around Jung Yeonshin testified to that.

The sunlight, striking the scattered pieces, created a dazzling display as if mocking her defeat.

If she didn't concede, she might have to duel again under the Fortress' Lord's command.

The boy had already withdrawn his hand from the divine sword Beiming, yet the Law Enforcer remained still, holding her broken blade.

She simply stood there in a daze. The indifference usually displayed on her face was broken.

There was visible unease in her eyes. Was the outcome so shocking for the leader of the Law and Order Squad?

Perhaps it was the confusion caused by her earlier misjudgment.

"..."

The Law Enforcer's arm slowly lowered.

The hand of the esteemed swordswoman, usually steady, trembled slightly. It was a stark contrast to the firm grip she displayed during the duel, achieving perfect unity with her sword.

The strength had left the grip she demonstrated as a transcendent swordswoman.

She parted her lips slowly.

"…I lost."

The hem of her black robe fluttered lifelessly. Combined with her broken sword, it created a strange impression.

"It was a good duel. Thank you."

Jung Yeonshin saluted her with a polite bow. Unlike his formal manners, his expression remained indifferent.

It was even colder than the Law Enforcer's face before the duel, almost to the point of seeming distant.

The boy concealed his feelings with effort.

'Her blue-robed experts would've been more useful.'

He had expected a new toy, but received a crude, worn-out trinket instead.

Was this how children from harmonious families felt sometimes?

The unfamiliar situation left him feeling unexpectedly bitter.

He managed to force out words he didn't mean. A good duel, indeed.

The spectators burst out in admiration for Jung Yeonshin.

"Look at that composure. So cold and calculated. Rare qualities in a swordsman."

"He doesn't even look that pleased. Was he more interested in the duel than the promotion?"

"Well, the Law Enforcer didn't get to showcase all her techniques. Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin—if he's this humble even before his promotion, Radiant Demon Squad's resurgence might be possible."

"Or maybe he's just sulking. I recognize that look—I used to make it at the slackers in my clan."

Flame Dragon muttered, but no one paid attention. The masters of Radiant Demon Squad seated near him shifted their gazes upward.

The Fortress' Lord was rising from her seat.

Rustle.

The soft green robes brushed against her chair, and the faint sound echoed vividly.

It mirrored the moment the boy sheathed the divine sword Beiming.

All eyes turned to her unhurried movements.

She seemed cloaked in an aura that drew every gaze. Her presence carried an air of transcendence.

"..."

Silence fell once more—this time, dreamlike.

The Fortress' Lord stood tall.

Her pale skin glowed like a vision in a dream, and the sunlight caressing her face whispered softly.

As if she had draped the stillness of a deep forest over the gathering.

"Lightning Genius has proven his worth."

The Fortress' Lord spoke softly.

"Since Un Soyu has admitted defeat, Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin has demonstrated skills worthy of the Black Rank."

"..."

"I grant permission to continue the promotion ceremony."

With her words, the tension broke.

The atmosphere became lively, with some even rushing toward the dueling stage.

Most were the Radiant Demon Squad masters and nameless disciples. They quickly surrounded Jung Yeonshin.

"What was that? Did you really dismantle a counter-technique? How did you even think of using energy waves like that?"

"Blocking the sword path looked like magic! Was that some kind of power wielded by sorcerers? It's hard to believe it was just raw skill. It's only believable because it's you."

"Talk comfortably now while you still can. Soon, we'll only be able to praise you formally."

"Your first mission won't be solo, right? Following a young master will be a new thrill!"

Meanwhile, Law Enforcer Un Soyu kept her head bowed until the Fortress' Lord sat down again.

She didn't appear despondent—more like she was paying respects.

When she finally looked up, she turned to the side.

"My advice to the Fortress' Lord was hasty. It must have insulted you."

Un Soyu's black eyes glinted as she spoke.

"I apologize. I misjudged. I'm truly sorry."

"Law Enforcer is speaking to him. Back off, all of you."

Chung Myung scolded his comrades, pulling them away firmly.

A noble-blooded swordsman recovering swiftly from injuries sustained at the City of Master Craftsmen.

Jung Yeonshin, swayed by his seniors, raised his head.

Despite the Radiant Demon Squad's stormy energy, their hierarchy was strict.

The hands brushing his head, shoulders, and waist retreated.

In an instant, they cleared the space for the current and next masters to speak.

After exchanging a glance with Chung Myung, Un Soyu focused entirely on Jung Yeonshin.

"Because I am the Law Enforcer, I cannot easily promise to repay my mistake. I must remain impartial. Please understand."

"Of course."

The boy answered briefly. At the same time, Un Soyu's black hair slid down like silk.

It was an apology. She bowed her head to him.

"And…"

Raising her head slowly, she spoke again.

"If only a weaker opponent had faced you instead."

"Hmm…?"

"What you said earlier—I want to know what you meant."

"..."

Facing the Law Enforcer, the boy was visibly caught off guard.

—It would be more helpful if a weaker opponent had faced me instead.

Though the words weren't harsh, they were close to an insult.

When Jung Yeonshin had carelessly voiced his thoughts earlier, it might have seemed like a lament from the defeated. But now, it could easily be taken at face value.

This was because he had utterly shattered the Law Enforcer's counter-techniques.

It was a serious matter.

Jung Yeonshin had been mindful of his reputation while climbing toward the rank of Divine Sword Squad Leader. He had been careful ever since his initiation.

If his opponent was an enforcer of the fortress' laws, he had to be even more cautious.

Desolate Fortress was like a military sect that served its lord as a monarch. Getting caught up in any disgraceful incident would be problematic.

Since managing achievements and relationships required significant effort, the Law Enforcer was someone he should either keep at a distance or build a very strong rapport with.

'This is a real crisis.'

Cold sweat formed on the back of Jung Yeonshin's neck—an extremely rare occurrence.

He berated himself. Reckless fool. He had been much better at hiding his thoughts when he still wore the white rank.

Why had things turned out this way?

It felt as if he had lost his temperament during the expedition to Sichuan.

Was it because he had witnessed Ma Jin's arm being severed and Ma Yeonjeok's decline?

'Maybe it's because my limbs have grown recently. The slight misalignment between my sword strikes and my hand techniques is bothering me, and it's making me irritable—as a martial artist.'

He tried to reason with himself, but now wasn't the time for self-reflection.

His instincts urged him to focus on his conduct. He felt as if his upper dantian was burning white-hot.

Moving his gaze within the realm of heightened perception, he first caught sight of Flame Dragon.

He was skilled at sly maneuvering, but that ability was usually directed at life-and-death adversaries.

At least, that's how Flame Dragon had treated Jung Yeonshin—meaning he was adept at provocation.

Jung Yeonshin shook his head internally and quickly shifted his eyes elsewhere.

Next, he spotted Namgoong Hwashin, who possessed a steadfast personality.

He was talking with his junior, Shin Bin-bin.

Shin Bin-bin's usually proud eyes seemed to droop slightly, as if she feared the senior she admired might align with the Radiant Demon Squad instead.

It wasn't Jung Yeonshin's concern.

'Namgoong Hwashin is upright.'

Better than Flame Dragon, but not someone to emulate in this situation.

Then his eyes landed on Heon Wonchang. Jung Yeonshin's eyes widened.

His mind lit up. The pages of past experiences turned in his head.

His baihui acupoint stirred as he reviewed Heon Wonchang's words and actions.

This was how the boy had grown—learning from the companions around him. It would remain the same going forward.

"It's because your strength was overwhelming."

Jung Yeonshin finally spoke, feigning the sincerity characteristic of Heon Wonchang.

"It was daunting to break through such an ever-changing sword style, and I felt ashamed as a martial artist. It took great courage to clear my thoughts and engage the Law Enforcer again."

"Hmm..."

Law Enforcer Un Soyu tilted her head slightly to the side.

It was a subtle, questioning movement, but she didn't press further. She didn't have the chance.

Chiring.

The banquet began.

Entertainers appeared once more. Soft sounds of zithers filled the air, and elegant music flowed. Beside the Fortress' Lord's seat, the Chief Administrator recited accomplishments.

It was a moment to list Jung Yeonshin's achievements one by one.

The green silk-bound scroll was long, yet most of the masters listened without a hint of boredom.

"…Thus, the defeat of the Blood Flame Cult's main forces and the destruction of the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation. In the duel against the Namgoong Clan, the execution of Flourishing Spirit Flower Master Namgoong Mi in a single strike, and the slaying of the young master Namgoong Se-jin."

When the narrative reached the incidents at the City of Master Craftsmen, the Fortress' branch, and Tang Family Tower, reactions shifted.

The occasional murmurs of admiration faded into silence.

Rumors that had circulated wildly were now confirmed as facts by the administrator.

The story of how he tracked the City of Master Craftsmen, united with the Radiant Demon Squad, and successively killed Sword-Thirst Demon and Martial Ha Yul-geuk was revealed in full detail.

It was extraordinarily precise.

The annihilation of the elite remnants of the Ten Perfection Sect and the Blood Flame Cult who had attacked the Fortress' provincial branch, the complete alliance with the once-unreliable Tang Clan, and the rout of the Blood Flame Cult and Ten Perfection Sect at Tang Clan estate—all of it.

This was a proclamation of what kind of figure would ascend as the Squad Leader. No one could argue.

"…And so, we engrave the name of Lightning Genius into the Seventeenth Divine Sword Hall of Wonpyeong."

"..."

The promotion ceremony fell completely silent.

Then.

The Chief Administrator, looking much more respectful, opened his mouth again.

His voice, now lower and more measured, was directed toward the Fortress' Lord.

"For the time being, it would be wise for Lightning Genius to occupy the stone seat of Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall alongside Ma Jin, and to learn the duties of the Black Rank from the Leader' council. There will be much for Ma Jin to teach and hand over."

"Is there a prepared robe?"

The Fortress' Lord asked calmly. The administrator immediately bowed his head.

"My apologies. We could not predict the outcome…"

"Lightning Genius will take the seat today. Borrow Ma Jin's black robe for now. We shall commission a new robe for Lightning Genius without delay."

The Fortress' Lord gave a slight nod, then turned her gaze.

Her eyes, as though reflecting the principles of the universe, fell upon Jung Yeonshin.

They seemed as if they could draw in his very soul. Meeting her deep green eyes, the boy straightened his posture.

She slowly parted her lips.

"I command you."

For the first time, the word "command" was spoken. Jung Yeonshin, in his tattered blue robe, dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

The frayed, faded fabric fluttered slightly before settling.

The Fortress' Lord's lips curved faintly.

"Act as the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad."

"…Radiant Demon Squad Leader accepts the command."

The boy responded.

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